Can you retrieve obd2 codes with out a code reader for a 1998 ford escort sport zx2 with the ford zetec 2.0L DOHC .... my 98 zj retrieves them by turning the ignition on off on off on with out starting the engine. I've tried the same technique but got nothing .. Does anyone know if its like a chevy where you do the same with the key but you also push the accelerator to the floor so many times with in so many secs while you cycle the key?

I pulled this off of fordfuelinjection.com. I have seen a lot of people asking how to do this, so, here it is.

Don’t worry if the Check Engine Light is not on, the computer will store lesser important codes without flashing lights in your face. First you need to find the self-test plugs to read codes from the EEC. There are 2 plugs to find. One is triangular and has 6 pins; it is called the Self-Test plug. The other is a smaller single pin plug; it is called the Self-Test Input (STI). These are what the plugs look like. The self-test plugs are located along the passenger side fender by the firewall/strut tower on 1986-90 Escorts. I am not sure if it is in the same location for pre-86 Escorts, but I should think it would be the same.

How to Prepare for the Self-Test

To check for codes without buying a code reader is simple. If your EEC is wired correctly, the engine light works, and there are not any electrical faults in the vehicle you can get the codes out of your EEC.

1. Turn key to OFF.
2. Get a length of wire that can connect the STI to the negative battery terminal or body ground.
3. Ground the Self-Test Input.
4. Get some paper and a pen.
5. Get comfortable in the drivers seat.
6. Try to keep your self from getting distracted from here on.
7. Turn key to RUN.
8. You will hear some relays engage and the fuel pumps prime the system. This is the EEC beginning the test.
9. When the fuel pumps stop be ready to count!

If you are a lost soul that does not have a working engine light, or did not install a light into your dash don't fret. You can still get the codes. You still need that wire to ground out the STI. Now you will need one of the following tools; digital volt meter, analog volt meter, test light, or you can hook up any other 12 volt light that does not draw more than 0.5 watts max.

1. Turn key to OFF.
2. Get a length of wire that can connect the STI to the negative battery terminal or body ground.
3. Ground the Self-Test Input.
4. Attach one side of the test device to the Self-Test Output (STO).
5. Attach the other lead to the positive side of the battery.
a) If you are using a digital voltmeter you'll want to use the continuity setting.
b) If you are using an analog voltmeter you'll be counting the meter make sweeps.
c) If you are using a cheep light you'll count like the rest of us.
6. Get some paper and a pen.
7. Get comfortable in the drivers seat.
8. Try to keep your self from getting distracted from here on.
9. Turn key to RUN.
10. You will hear some relays engage and the fuel pumps prime the system. This is the EEC beginning the test.
11. When the fuel pumps stop be ready to count!

How To Count “Check Engine” Light Blinks

When the “Check Engine” light blinks during the test you will get several different blinks, the separation time between blinks is used to indicate what information is being displayed.

Turn key to RUN.
You will hear some relays engage and the fuel pumps prime the system. This is the EEC beginning the test.
The fuel pumps will stop and the EEC will now begin giving codes.
You may catch a brief flickering of the light. This is a rapid code read that is used by the code readers you can purchase. Do not worry all those rapid flashes you just say flicker buy will now be given at a slower pace of 1, 2, & 4 second pauses.
First digit of first KOEO code (1/2 second between blinks)
2 second pause
Second digit of first KOEO code (1/2 second between blinks)
4 second pause
Next KOEO code
Once all KOEO codes are read the EEC will repeat them
6 second pause
Single Separator Blink (this indicates the change from KOEO codes to CM codes)
6 second pause
Codes from Continues Memory (uses same 1/2, 2, and 4 second timing as KOEO codes and also repeats them)
If nothing has been recorded by the EEC since last battery disconnect you will see:

This translates into 11-11 current condition (KOEO) and 11-11 in the continues memory (CM); or SYSTEMPASS

This may seem hard to count; recommendation is to record codes with slashes, and to lump them all together. Sort them out into numerical codes later. Here is an example of this:

This would give you codes; 41, 83, 14 & 18. If you miss some of the codes or feel you are counting wrong continue to count the remaining codes for practice and to compare to the next code test. When finished simply turn the key to OFF wait 15 seconds then back to RUN. The codes will be presented again.

What I would do (assuming you have an android phone) get a bluetooth OBD2 adapter off ebay. Mine cost almost $10. Download torque on your phone (it's free) Live forever happily with a reader and scan tool and a dozen other gauges and functions. And a few dozen more if you pony up $5 for the paid version. If you DON'T have an android phone, odds are you can get an old old old one for next to nothing on craigslist and use it as a designated scan tool.

^^^^^everything above looks like more than $10 of pita to me.

FWIW I had a droid 3 and it was really hit and miss with the OBD. I've got a samsung galaxy s3 now that links with the adapter in moments and works 1000x better. Again fwiw the droid 3 was worse than not having a phone period. I hated that thing.

The easiest way is to go to pretty much ANY good parts store, the ones that have loaner tools. They have readers for you to use for free. Here in VA you just leave them your DL and you use it in the parking lot. In Long Island NY they want you to "buy" it but they hold the CC slip and rip it up when you return the reader.
The key on of on stuff gives cryptic flashy codes. The new readers tell you the code, the reason and the most common causes.

I don't use code readers from part stores. I'll leave out the story about why i don't trust those code readers. But i was jist trying to figure out how the obd2 was turned on, on this model so i didn't have to go use the one in my uncles garage. I guess I'll just use his code reader since i haven't found anything on activating the obd2 on this perticular model